Turning back the clock
Caravan builder Dave McRobbie’s lifelong career has become vintage.
The 65-year-old qualified coach builder – one of a fast retiring breed – began an apprenticeship at the longshut Hamilton Liteweight Caravan factory in 1969. Now, he spends his days refurbishing the same caravans he once built.
And with over 20 caravans sitting in his Riverlea yard, across the road from the former factory, McRobbie claims to be the progenitor of a growing trend.
It was 2006 when he drove his black Buick into a motorhome show, towing an original 1962 Vancara.
‘‘By the time the show opened, it was already on the videos and computers. I think that’s where it all started from, it gave everyone ideas,’’ he said.
‘‘People are getting more into the retro caravans because you can tow them behind the old period cars.’’
In the years since, he’s made a show of his favourite refurbished vintage: a red-painted 1950 Liteweight.
The little caravan has the original wood trim, a new pacific maple interior, chequered lino floor and a little sink – just for show.
Further down the row of caravans sits another rarity, a 1959 Liteweight Silver Cloud. Awaiting a new lease on life, it sat under a carport in Raglan for 30 years after McRobbie replaced the steel roof in the mid-70s.
‘‘It was one of two I did; that is what saved this one and kept it original.’’
Further along, there’s a greenstriped Liteweight – one of the first McRobbie helped manufacture.
‘‘I haven’t had time to do anything to it. If someone buys it, they can finish it off.’’ It takes two months’ work to restore a former glory and many people pay between $20,000 to $80,000 for a rarity with all the mod-cons.
‘‘But they’re worth more if you don’t alter them around.’’